The Power of Words

Words are one of the greatest tools that humans have. They have the power to communicate meaning, display emotion, and influence the thoughts of others. However just like most tools, words can be used as a weapon of sorts. They can attack someone mentally and influence someone in a bad way.

The other day I found myself in a different state of mine. I like to think that I am usually a happy, positive person but the other day I was not. I was feeling drained and bummed out. The reason for this was the words that were around me. The person that I was around was so negative. They cursed all the time and just were not pleasant to be around. I am not saying there is anything wrong with that, if they want to live that way they can. However, it just brought my whole mood down. This made me realize just how powerful words can be.

The words we use not only affect other people’s moods but they affect the way other people see us. For example, if you want people to see that you are a happy person use happy words. Use the word happy; use the words fantastic, beautiful, wonderful. If you want to inspire people use words like inspirational, motivational, encouraging. The more you fit your vocabulary to the image you want to have for yourself the more people will see it.

Just remember through, with great power comes great responsibility. This is why we need to choose our words carefully. No matter what the situation is – whether you are upset, angry, overwhelmed, or any not so pleasant emotion – you have to make sure you do not say something that you will regret. Make sure you do not say something that will hurt someone else, affect their mood negatively, or that will ruin that image you want for yourself. The thing about words is that they are very powerful but once they are said you cannot take them back.

Think of yourself as a speech writer. The speeches you are writing are not for some presidential candidate but they are similar. If the president says one thing out of line in his speech, that is the only thing that is remembered from the speech. This is true for you. The image you build up for yourself can me ruined by one poor choice of word which will be the only thing remember (unless you are a professional athlete, then it will be forgotten once you start playing good again). So always construct a speech for yourself that you can support and be proud of.

Have you ever use the power of words to influence, motivate, or inspire someone is a positive way? Have you ever choose words that did fit the image you wanted for yourself? How did you handle it?